If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

<CITE class=source> By Chad Ford
ESPN.com[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] </CITE>
<!-- end mod-article-title --><!-- begin story body --><!-- template inline --><NOSPACE>
• [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
This is the time of year when players begin to declare their intentions for the NBA draft. But for the most part, information received now is fairly unreliable. College underclassmen and international players who don't turn 22 this year have until April 25 to declare themselves eligible.

NBA Draft Blog

Want more on the 2010 NBA draft? Our experts have all of the latest buzz, projections, rankings and much more.
• [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] | [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

The general rule is that if a player is projected to be a lottery pick, the chances of him declaring are high. However, after [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] and [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] -- all projected as lottery picks in 2009 -- decided to stay in school last year, nothing is a given. That could be especially true this year, given the NCAA's new rules on "testing the waters." While the NBA will retain its June 15 withdrawal date, the NCAA has set a new withdrawal deadline -- May 8 -- for any players who want to keep their college eligibility. In previous years, the NCAA followed the NBA's guidelines that give underclassmen until mid-June to decide.
This new rule dramatically reduces the time college underclassmen have to determine their draft stock. That should mean we'll see significantly fewer bubble players declaring for the draft this year. With such a small window to gather information, it will be difficult for most players to get a good feel for where they stand. (Since the May 8 deadline takes place before the NBA's draft combine, the league has said it will start holding private workouts April 30.)
Who's in and who's out this year? Insider spoke with a number of NBA executives, scouts, agents and individuals close to players making the decisions to come up with this list.
(Check back often as we update this list.)

<OFFER>

In the draft

Players who officially have declared for the 2010 NBA draft

* To preserve eligibility, player has not hired an agent

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], C, Florida State
Alabi came into the season ranked as a potential top-10 prospect. He never quite lived up to the lofty preseason hype, but Alabi did show marked improvement from his freshman season. He is still a work in progress, but he has terrific physical tools, works hard and has shown he can improve from year to year. While Alabi is unlikely to make an immediate impact, some team will take a chance on him in the late lottery-to-mid first round.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], C, Kansas
Aldrich is one of the few true centers in the draft with any serious buzz. While he didn't have a stellar junior season, he has proved to be an active rebounder and shot-blocker. Offensively, he also shows some promise, especially with an unorthodox 15-foot jump shot he likes to sling. While not every NBA GM is in love with him (his upside seems to be Joel Przybilla) he looks like a lock for the top 10.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F, Wake Forest
Aminu has all the physical tools to be a great pro. He is long and super athletic and plays hard. But after two college seasons, there are big questions about his skill level and position. Despite the uncertainty, Aminu appears to be a lock for the top 10.Kevin Anderson, G, Richmond*
Anderson may be the reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, but he has no business declaring for the NBA draft as a very undersized 2-guard. He'd likely go undrafted if he stayed in.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G, Oklahoma State
Anderson had a terrific junior year, but scouts are all over the place on his pro potential. What does seem clear is that he'll land somewhere in the first round. Where? Some GMs have him in the late lottery. Others have him in the late first round. Clearly he's a talented scorer with a sweet stroke. The question is whether he has the athleticism to excel in the NBA.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F, Nevada
Some GMs have him in the late teens to early 20s. Others aren't as convinced and have him parked in the second round. But given the number of GMs that like him, he'll likely sneak into the first round if he stays in the draft.Armon Bassett, G, Ohio*Bassett is a quick combo guard who started his career at Indiana and UAB before transferring to Ohio. He made a name for himself in the NCAA Tournament, scoring 32 points in an upset win over Georgetown. The rail-thin point guard needs to add strength and shake off concerns about off-court issues that led to him leaving two major programs. He also will have to battle the fact that he's already 23 years old. But there's no doubt that Bassett has some talent. A late second round to undrafted player.Talor Battle, G, Penn State*Battle has had two straight strong seasons at Penn State, but will likely go undrafted if he stays in the draft.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F/C, Oakland*
Benson is a long, lanky big man who clearly has a nice combination of size and skill at his position and put up good numbers against some pretty good teams this season. However, his thin physique, combined with a complete disinterest in playing any defense, probably relegates him to second-round status if he stays in the draft.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], PG, Kentucky*
Bledsoe may have played second fiddle to [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] all year, but NBA scouts have been paying close attention. They love his speed, athletic ability and toughness on both ends of the floor. While scouts feel he needs to improve his shooting off the dribble and his decision-making, he may be the second-best point guard prospect in the draft. Look for him to go somewhere between 12 and 20 on draft night.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F, Iowa State
A potential late lottery pick last season, Brackins has struggled to put up the same numbers for Iowa State this season and has seen his stock fall. He's on the first-round bubble in the 20-40 range.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G, Texas*
Bradley had a very uneven freshman season at Texas but there's no denying he's an NBA talent. Bradley is a combo guard who has the ability to score both off the dribble and from the perimeter. He is an elite defender as well. His stock is all over the place with NBA GMs. He could go anywhere between the late lottery to late first round.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], UTEP
Caracter had a very strong season at UTEP and tried to put to rest questions about his character that have swirled around him ever since he transferred from Louisville. He's a tremendous offensive player in the post, though he lacks great athleticism. A possible second-round pick.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F/C, Kentucky
Cousins was the most productive big man, per minute, in college basketball this season. He was a double-double machine for Kentucky. He already has an NBA body and can do his damage both down low and from the perimeter. Concerns about his so-so athletic ability and a history of temper issues on the court were the only things holding him back from being the No. 1 pick. Still look for him to go somewhere in the 3 to 5 range.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], SG, Xavier*
Crawford is coming off a terrific NCAA tournament run where he showed off his extraordinary athletic and scoring abilities. While Crawford has fought a rep all year as a selfish player, he sure looked like a pro in the tournament. He should go anywhere between the late-first round to second round.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], PF, Illinois*
Davis is a solid rebounder who can score from inside and out. But his thin frame and lack of toughness in the paint have scouts worried. He'll likely go in the second round or will be undrafted if he stays in the draft.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F, North Carolina
Davis didn't quite live up to the hype he generated last season as a freshman. But by most accounts he had a very good year for the Tar Heels. Without a dominant point guard to get him the ball and with Deon Thompson thinking he was Tyler Hansbrough, Davis had to pick his spots. But he ended up scoring with a high percentage from the field and proved to be a terrific rebounder and shot blocker. He may not be the superstar we thought he could become, but he's still a likely top-10 pick as long as his wrist gets healthy.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G, Virginia Tech*
Delaney is coming off a big year at Virginia Tech. He's an excellent scoring combo guard who gets to the basket with a quick first step. However his questionable shot selection and lack of elite athleticism probably keep him out of the first round. A likely second-round pick if he stays in.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G/F, West Virginia*
Ebanks is a bit of an enigma. On potential, Ebanks is a lottery pick. He's athletic, has great length and can play multiple positions on the floor. But he had, for the most part, a disappointing season at West Virginia. Not only was his production down (and his jump shot nowhere to be found) but he also found himself in Bob Huggins dog house early in the season. Most likely he's a first round pick. But if he returns to West Virginia next year, he has a chance to be a lottery pick again.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], PF, Morehead State*
Faried combines a relentless motor with terrific athleticism and toughness to terrorize opponents in the paint. What Faried has struggled with is a major lack of competition; he played against one NCAA tournament team all season, Kentucky. Still, Faried has impressed the scouts who've seen him. He's one of the top rebounders in the country, and rebounding is one of the few college stats that really translate to the NBA. He could go anywhere from late in the first round to the second round.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F, Georgia Tech
Favors came into the season ranked as the second best prospect in the country. He still may be. However, his production didn't match his potential until late in the season. Some of that fault has to do with his point guards who rarely got him the ball. Some was a lack of aggressiveness on his part. Regardless, he still stands out as a terrific prospect. He's an Amare Stoudemire/Antonio McDyess type of power forward who, once he develops a more polished offensive game, should be a star. Look for him to go somewhere between 2 and 5.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], PG, Arkansas
Fortson is an athletic point guard who has an uncanny ability to get to the basket and make great plays. However, he's undersized and he really struggles as a shooter. Most likely he's a second round to undrafted pick if he stays.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], PG, BYU*
Fredette had his coming-out party against Florida in the first round of the NCAA tournament, then came back down to earth versus Kansas State in the next round. Some GMs love his smarts and shooting ability, but others feel he lacks the athletic ability to thrive in the pros. While it's possible he sneaks into the late first round, the most likely scenario has him going somewhere in the second round or undrafted.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Gallon had a solid freshman season, but also struggled to fit into any sort of team concept at Oklahoma. He's a big body (maybe a little too big) who can rebound and score the basketball, but he's not ready for the NBA. He'll go in the second round or undrafted.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F, Seattle
Garcia is already 21 years old and has bounced around quite a bit. He got off to a red-hot start for Seattle, but the buzz quickly cooled once NBA scouts went to see him in person. While there's a lot to like about Garcia's game, he is inconsistent, has had a troubled past and wasn't playing against top competition on most nights. Most NBA scouts I've spoken with have him as a possible second-round selection.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F, Fresno State*
George may not have played on the biggest stage in college, but he has a lot of fans in the NBA. George is a versatile forward who can do a little of everything. Expect him to go somewhere between 20 and 30 in June.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G, Michigan
The junior 2-guard is a difficult prospect to project. Since his freshman year, scouts have seen him as an NBA talent, but he's never been able to consistently put it together. When he's at his best, he's a huge scoring threat both from inside and out who can also dish out assists and crash the boards. When he's at his worst, he's taking wild shots and turning the ball over. Some scouts love him; others are scared to death of him. While this has been his best season statistically, he can go anywhere between 20 to 60 in this draft.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G/F, Butler*
Scouts have been big fans of Hayward since this summer when he shined for Team USA. But the rest of the country was properly introduced to him in March as Butler went on a Cinderella run in the tournament. Hayward is a very versatile swingman who can do a little bit of everything. He's tough, a leader and though he didn't really show it this year, is a very good shooter. While scouts believe he needs to get stronger and start connecting on more of the 3s he takes, most NBA teams consider him a terrific NBA prospect. Look for him to go somewhere between the late lottery and mid first round.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], SG, Seton Hall*
One of the most prolific scorers in the country, Hazell is especially adept as a spot-up shooter with deep range. However, he has a number of strikes against him. He is already 24 years old, has questionable shot selection and isn't an off-the-charts athlete. While he's got a shot at the second round thanks to his shooting ability, he'll most likely go undrafted if he keeps his name in.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G, Kansas
Henry is an all-purpose swingman with an NBA body and deep range on his shot. He had an up-and-down season, but when he was at his best, he looked like a lottery pick. He currently sits on the lottery bubble -- somewhere between 10 and 18.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G/F, New Mexico*
Hobson is coming off a terrific season at New Mexico. His versatility has caught a number of NBA GMs eyes. He's been a bit of a poor man's Evan Turner this year. He's played three positions on the floor, will get assists, rebounds and buckets and like Turner, isn't an off-the-charts athlete or shooter. He's all over the place on NBA draft boards. Some have him ranked in the mid-first round. Others in the second. He's testing the waters, but I'm not sure he'll have enough time to nail his stock down definitively before the May 8 pull-out date.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], PG, Nevada
Johnson currently ranks at the fifth best point guard in our Top 100 ... though that's not saying too much given the dearth of true points in this year's draft. Johnson is a scoring guard who can slash to the basket and finish around the rim. He needs to improve his jump shot and decision making, but most likely he's drafted somewhere between the late first round to early second round.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], PF, Purdue*
Johnson had a terrific year for Purdue. He increased his numbers across the board. But he's very, very thin for his position and hasn't been as dominant as his talent suggests. While it's certainly possible he could be a first round pick, more likely he slips into the second round.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F, Syracuse
Johnson was the breakout player of the year this season. After sitting out last season because of transfer rules, he exploded out of the gate and never really slowed down. Johnson is a versatile swing man who can run the floor, shoot the J and play defense. He's one of the few players to average nearly two steals and two blocks per game. He should be a Top 5 pick.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], SG, South Florida
One of the most prolific scorers in college basketball this season, Jones has an exceptional ability to get to the basket. If he were more athletic, he'd be a lottery pick. As it stands, he's on the first-round bubble.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F/C, DePaul
Koshwal entered the NBA Draft and withdrew last spring, so this time he's in for good. He's a big body with a good motor and a knack for rebounding so there may be a place for him in the league. But there isn't huge upside there either. A possible second-round pick.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], SG, Virginia
His jump shot still needs work, but Landesberg is an interesting prospect who makes a living slashing to the basket. He ran into trouble at Virginia and ended up leaving the team. He's a possible second-round pick.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F, Georgia Tech
Lawal has the talent to play in the league, but his numbers dipped across the board this season. And a number of NBA GMs and scouts are frustrated with him because he demanded touches away from Derrick Favors in the post (the team played better with the ball in Favors' hands). That doesn't mean Lawal can't be a first-rounder. Scouts love his length, athleticism, rebounding and motor. Right now, he's on the first-round bubble.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G, Illinois*
McCarmey is a big, physical combo guard who has deep, albeit inconsistent range on his jumper. He's proven to be a solid playmaker this season, but his questionable shot selection and lack of elite athleticism hurt his NBA potential. He's a likely second round to undrafted pick if he stays in the draft.Tommy Mason-Griffin, PG, Oklahoma
The word out of Oklahoma is that Mason-Griffin has dropped out of school and plans on entering the draft. Given his small stature and uneven performance this season, he'll go either in the second round or undrafted.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G/F, UAB*
The brother of [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] forward Paul Millsap has had a terrific year at UAB. He's a strong, physical guard who plays with great energy. His age suggests that it's time to move on to the NBA. But his lack of a decent jump shot argues that he should return to UAB for his senior year. A potential second-round pick if he stays.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F/C, Georgetown
Monroe's draft stock has been all over the place this season. But he began the season projected as a top-10 pick and ended it in the same place. While scouts wrung their hands over his lack of conditioning at the start of the season and his tendency to disappear at times, many more fell for his high basketball IQ, passing ability and improved play on both ends of the court. Monroe's lack of explosive athleticism hurts his ceiling, but his impressive skill set should be a great fit in the right system.E'Twaun Moore, G, Purdue*Moore is a combo guard who does a lot of things well. He's a solid shooter, can handle the ball and plays feisty defense. However, his lack of elite quickness and athleticism, combined with his lack of size and strength hurt his long-term NBA potential. He'll likely be a second round pick to undrafted if he stays in the draft.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F, UTEP*
Moultrie is coming off a disappointing season. However, he has the size, athleticism, quickness and skill level to be a legit NBA post player. Moultrie can play both inside and outside on offense and he'll crash the boards at both ends, too. He's a likely second-round pick.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], C, Vanderbilt
Ogilvy is a skilled big man with an old school game. However, his numbers have declined every year in college and scouts are worried about his lack of athleticism. He's likely to go second round to undrafted if the stays in the draft.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], C, Kentucky*
Orton may be the biggest surprise announcement of the draft. He averages just over three points and three rebounds per game. But NBA GMs are in love with his tough defense and athletic ability at the position. Had he played at any other school in the country, Orton would've produced a lot more. His draft stock is all over the place. Some GMs see him as a lottery pick. I doubt he slips past the Thunder in the early 20s.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], PF, Kentucky
Patterson was expected to be the veteran leader of this Kentucky squad this year and for the most part, he delivered. While Patterson isn't spectacular in any one thing, he's very solid in virtually every area. He's a good scorer around the basket, has a developing perimeter game and isn't afraid to crash the glass. While he may not be an elite prospect, I expect that he'll hear his name called somewhere in the late lottery to mid first round.Rico Pickett, SG, Manhattan*Pickett transferred from Alabama to Manhattan and had a strong year. He's very athletic, however he's not a great shooter and is an undersized 2-guard. Expect him to go undrafted.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G, UAB
Polynice is a tough customer and has some fans among NBA scouts as a defensive-oriented guard. But his best-case scenario is landing in the second round.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], PF, Seton Hall*
One of the best rebounders in the country this season, Pope can be a real beast in the paint. However, his troubled past has made a number of teams wary. If teams believe he'll be on his best behavior in the pros, he has a chance to go in the second round.Jeff Robinson, F, Seton Hall*After two nothing years at Memphis, Robinson tried to resurrect his career at Seton Hall. He had a strong season, but the word from NBA folks is that he's likely to go undrafted.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], PF, Louisville*
Samuels was one of the top prep players in the country when he came to Louisville and has developed nicely. He had a solid sophomore year and has proved to be an adept scorer around the basket. However, he's undersized for his position in the pros and few scouts see him as a legit NBA prospect. He'll likely go undrafted if he stays in the draft.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F, VCU
Sanders is a long, athletic shot-blocker and rebounder who has improved every year. While he's still not a dominant offensive player yet, he's the proverbial big guy with lots of upside. Expect him to go somewhere in the mid- to late first round.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G/F, Cincinnati
Stephenson came into college with a rep as a big-time scorer and a big-time headache for coaches. He really proved to be neither during his freshman season. Stephenson, for the most part, was an unselfish player who showed the ability to handle the ball and get his teammates involved. He also went the entire season without a major incident. Still, given his lack of elite athletic ability, he's a likely second-round pick.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G/F, Ohio State
The best college player in the country this season, Turner is the most complete player the draft has seen in a long time. He can score, crash the boards and run the point. While his jumper is only so-so, Turner appears to be a lock for the No. 2 pick in the draft. And, if the lottery combinations fall the right way and the Jazz, Bulls or Hornets draft first, he could pass John Wall as the No. 1 pick. Alex Tyus, PF, Florida* Tyus is an athletic, but undersized big man who will likely struggle to make the transition to the small forward position in the pros. He's best around the basket in a blue-collar type of role, but won't be able to do the same amount of damage in the pros. I expect him to go undrafted if he stays in the draft.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F, Baylor*
Udoh is a top candidate for most improved college player of the year. After two so-so seasons at Michigan, Udoh transferred to Baylor, sat out the year and came back a transformed player. He was one of the most complete big men in the country. He was an excellent shot-blocker, rebounder and an emerging scorer who seemed to get more comfortable facing the basket as the season progressed. Udoh's strong performance in the NCAA tournament likely sealed him in as a late lottery pick.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], PG, Kentucky
Wall is the best NBA prospect in the country -- not the best player -- but the best prospect. He didn't have the year, statistically that [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] had, but when you factor in his age and his unique athletic abilities, he comes out on top. Wall is an explosive athlete. He is super fast, flies through the air and finishes with some spectacular dunks. He also has a great feel for the game and is unselfish when he needs to be. Most importantly for Wall, he's a clutch player who isn't afraid to take over when the game is on the line. In virtually every scenario, he's the No. 1 pick in the draft.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G, Ole Miss*
White is a very interesting prospect. He's an elite athlete who has some scouts enamored with his ability to play the point guard position. Others feel he's more of a straight 2 and have him ranked significantly lower because of it. It will be interesting to see what he does. If he stays, he's got a very good shot of landing in the first round. However, another year at Ole Miss could push him firmly into the lottery.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], F/C, Marshall
Whiteside quickly went from obscurity to one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. One of the best shot-blockers in the country, he is also a strong rebounder who can run the floor like a guard. Although he needs to get stronger and improve his offensive game, a number of GMs see huge upside in him. If he can prove to NBA teams he has the maturity to succeed, he should be a lottery pick in June.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], SF, Dayton*
Wright is a super athletic forward who's still trying to get a great feel for the game. He had a solid, but unspectacular season at Dayton. Currently we project him as a second round to undrafted pick.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G, Oklahoma
Warren began the year as a projected Top 5 pick in the draft. But the season has been, for the most part disastrous. Warren struggled to run the Oklahoma offense without Blake Griffin, his shooting percentages dipped dramatically, he found himself constantly in his coach's doghouse and ended the season with an injury. His stock has slipped badly in the process. He now projects as a late-first to early-second-round pick.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ], G, Memphis
Williams didn't surprise with his announcement to declare for the draft. However, it was a surprise that he decided to hire an agent, forgoing his remaining college eligibility. Williams is an athletic combo guard who had a very consistent year for Memphis this season. However scouts have questions about his ability to play the point in the pros, along with his inability to go right off the dribble. He's on the first-round bubble with most NBA teams, though a few GMs have him firmly in the first round.Jahmar Young, SG, New Mexico State
Young is talented, but a recent charge of battery, combined with a conviction for battery in 2007, have seriously hurt his chances of getting draft. He'll likely go undrafted.